Pals poised to meet up after six decades

A group of school friends from Batley are poised for a reunion after more than six decades '“ after a chance meeting put the plan in motion.

Stuart Cocking was recently reacquainted with one of his former Batley Parish C of E School pals, Geoff Hall.

The pair struck up conversation and despite the nature of their rendezvous, whilst at a funeral for Geoff’s relative, they agreed that it would be good to try and arrange a reunion event.

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Stuart said: “Despite the circumstances of the reunion, it was lovely to see Geoff and his wife Jean. Geoff had a successful career as a civil servant and I did 31 years in the West Riding/West Yorkshire fire service, 
being the Officer in charge of both Batley and Dewsbury fire stations between the years 1977-1984.

“It was Geoff and Jean who suggested that it would be nice to meet up with some of our school friends, ideally in the Batley area.”

Stuart is now appealing for past students of the school year 1953-54 to get in touch and arrange attendance at the event.

No date has yet been set but Stuart says that they would like to pencil it in for the end of May or start of June.

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Anyone interested can contact Stuart on 07967 444432 or by email on [email protected]

Stuart added: “It is appreciated that past friends may not live in the area now, but if they are able to travel it would be great to see them again.”